America

Land of the Free?

Created: Tuesday, January 30, 2018

This is the first book in the Judge Dredd Mega collection, and it concentrates around the Democracy story line. It starts with one of the most memorable and rated Judge Dredd stories of all time, America. This was the main story when the Judge Dredd Megazine was first launched.

I remember getting the first issue of the Megazine and really enjoyed this story, so much that i continued to get the megazine until i completed it. Many years then passed, and i read it again as part of the collection. The story still holds up - with the world changing and people in power causing issues.

The artwork is great, but the artist is not one of my favorites.

Of course, with America being very successful, it was only a matter of time before the story would be continued.

A great start to the collection, the first to be delivered, and the first in the collection - a place it deserves.

Internal page from the book

The Back Blurb

In Mega-City One, the Judges are the law - acting as judge, jury, and executioner. But how do the citizens really feel about a system where they are powerless?

America Jara and Bennett Beeny grow up as best friends, living a fairly trouble-free life in a dangerous city... bar the odd encounter with a Judge. Time draws them apart, and when they are brought back together, Beeny is a successful singer and America has become involved with a terrorist organisation - with the Judges in its sights!

Written by John Wagner (A History of Violence) with art by Colin MacNeil (Judge Dredd) this dark and complex tale is a true 2000AD classic!

Scan from America

America

Script: John Wagner

Art: Colin MacNeil

Letters: Annie Parkhouse

Originally published in Judge Dredd Megazine 1.01 - 1.07

My Thoughts

A great story showing the harshness of Mega City One. The artwork was excellent and very moody.

Scan from the Fading of the Light

The Fading of the Light

Script: John Wagner

Art: Colin MacNeil

Colours: Alan Craddock

Letters: Annie Parkhouse

Originally published in Judge Dredd Megazine 3.20 - 3.25

Should Bennet Beeny, who is suffering from a terminal illness, carry out a suicide bomb for Total War - for the memory of America? Or betray the terrorist organisation to the judges.

My Thoughts

A good story that brings up a number of fairly deep issues, terrorism, rape, kidnapping etc. It ends harshly as well for Beenys child as well. Art work again is good and the pacing was just right for me.

Scan from Cadet

Cadet

Script: John Wagner

Art: Colin MacNeil

Colours: Chris Blythe

Letters: Annie Parkhouse

Originally published in Judge Dredd Megazine 250 - 252

Scan of the intro for Judgement Call

Scan of the intro for Blood and Duty

Scan of the intro for Firepower

Scan of the intro for Snowstorm

My Rating: 9 / 10

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Judge Dredd Mega Collection

The Judge Mega Collection is a collection of hardback comics featuring the Law Enforcer. A part work series from Hatchet.